Malayalam actress Sheela recently supported women who have spoken about their struggle with sexual harassment in the industry. The veteran actress questioned those who ask victims for proof of their experience. Sheela, who is a veteran artiste in the industry, spoke to a Malayalam language portal and asked if women should now click a picture with their perpetrators to prove that they have gone through a heinous incident like sexual abuse.

Sheila told Homeland“The police and courts ask for proof. Can we take a photo or selfie when someone suddenly comes and hugs or kisses us? Are we expected to say, ‘Let me take a photo for proof?’ Earlier, there were only landline phones and there was no way to record anything. Actors never thought that the Hema Committee would be formed in the future. One cannot predict these situations. How can evidence be given for such cases of abuse?”

In an interview Manorama OnlineThe National Award-winning actress spoke about the challenges faced by women in the film industry. She spoke about the time when there were not enough resources to testify one’s claims. “I know the struggles women have to go through to act in films. Some women come to cinema for financial reasons, while others come because of the love for their craft. It is disappointing to see them struggle,” Sheela said.

The actress also questioned the low number of allegations made against men in the industry. She said that the number of men harassing women in the industry is high, but no one talks about them. “At that time, there were neither opportunities nor circumstances to speak openly. I don’t understand why only a few actors are being named when so many people are involved in this. If someone is guilty, he should be punished,” she concluded.

Sheela’s statement comes after the Justice Hema Committee report exposed several cases of discrimination and sexual harassment of women in the Malayalam film industry. Earlier last month, the entire committee of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) resigned after some of its members were accused of sexually abusing women in the past. Director Ranjith, former AMMA general secretary Siddique and former joint secretary Baburaj are some of the names who are facing legal action in the case.